The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team Open BCRA Rodeos and Stampedes Williams Lake, BC

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Meet the Individual Cariboo Cowgirls

and their crew and supporters!

The Cariboo Cowgirls is a group of very dedicated cowgirls, with several years of riding and drill experience. They also have a coach, an assistant coach, and a seamstress, all of whom you'll find listed on this page.

Additionally, there are numerous dedicated volunteer "aide-de-camps", consisting primarily of family and friends who the team cannot possibly thank enough for their continued support and efforts. Without the devotion of the "behind the scenes support crew", the success of the drill team would be considerably lessened.

Here's the Team list: Click on the photo or the name to go to the bio or scroll down and visit all of the Cariboo Cowgirls and their support team!

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The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Alix Griffiths

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Amanda Berkelaar

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Amanda Monical

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Barb Brown

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Brandy Young

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Janice Sapp

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Kelly Marce

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Leona Davis

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Lexi Colton

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Lindie Mitchell

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Lisa Manuel

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Lynn Dent-Wilson

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Pat Coster

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Shelly Colton

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Tammy Ward

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Tasha Reynolds

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Tina Manuel

The Cariboo Cowgirls Precision Drill Team are Razzle, Dazzle, and all that Glitters Wendy Pinchin

Here are the Cariboo Cowgirls Coaches and Support Team!
Click on their name to read a little about them.

 

Brenda Philips - Coach
John Young - Coach
John Pinchin - 2009 Helper
Shirley Price - Seamstress

 

Mary Cowley - "Sunshine" Control Crew
Photographers - "Our Picture Takers!"
The Ward Family - "Video Camera Crew"

Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Alix Griffiths

Horses Name, Age, Breed: I'm riding a 17 year old Thoroughbred mare "Leading Edge" AKA Ellen. Ellen and I have had a few interesting adventures together so it was decided that we should continue to broaden our horizons in true team effort and join the drill team. Her past includes playing on a polo field and mine was in a much more sedate dressage ring.

How many years riding? I have been riding horses for about 13 years. I had to convince my parents that horses were not all giant animals that can stomp on you. All of my horse experience to date has been in an English saddle. I used to jump until I realized my fear of heights. I've shown dressage and English pleasure and now I'm giving things a try in a western saddle.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls and so far so good it's a BLAST!

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? Outside of the Cowgirls I enjoy riding dressage and this year hope to give a gymkhana a try. It should be a good year of fun filled experiences!

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? The best part of riding on the drill team is being part of a team effort and spending time with people who are interested in seeing what they and their horses can do.


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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Amanda Berkelaar

Horses Name, Age, Breed: TRS Hot Prospect AKA 'Levi' (often referred to as Meathead or Pig), is a 7 year old sorrel appendix quarter horse gelding. I have had Levi since he was a long yearling and he is still my baby. Levi is my all around, drill horse, barrel horse, ranch horse, and breakaway rope horse, as well as, trail horse and trusted companion, all rolled into one. Now that's LOVE in the first degree!

How many years riding? Since I was about 3 years old...that's 19 years, Y'all!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? I have been with the Cariboo Cowgirls, on and off for about 3 years but due to other civic obligations I was not able to fully commit. This will be my first fully 'committed' year to the drill team!

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I've been trying my hand at barrel racing in the BCRA and breakaway roping in private arenas when the opportunity arises. I hope to get into team roping in the next year, but that will depend on whether I have the time to get another horse ready. For the most part, I trail ride, gymkhana, cattle sort, team pen and flat race. For the last two years I have ridden in the Williams Lake Stampede Pony Express Race, and have plans to participate in the event this year. Any opportunity to cowboy and chase cows and I'm gone!

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I like riding in the drill team because it affords me the opportunity to work on aspects of my riding that I may not normally focus on. My horse has mile long legs and therefore has a long stride. Levi has a tendency to cover the ground and try and overcome the other horse and rider teams. With the drill team he has to collect himself learn and both he and I are learning to rate with that of the other horse and riders. Levi and I are learning to be patient! 'Trust' is another huge factor I am learning with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Many of the movements we do involve running straight at each other or working in a very close proximity of a partnered horse and rider team at high speeds. You learn to trust! One of the most rewarding components of the drill team is that of the camaraderie and friendships that are built amongst the members. I am looking forward to 'hanging' with the girls this year and creating new stories along the way!


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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Amanda Monical

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Fin-tree; Fin is a 15 year old, Registered Quarter Horse gelding.

How many years riding? As long as I can remember which is most of my life. I grew up on a ranch and riding is an everyday occurrence and a large part of my life! I presently work at my families ranch, so riding is pretty much a full time occupation.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? There's never a lack of horse oriented activities to do at home! The nature of my families business allows me to work with and on, several horses. When I can afford the time, I participate in most gymkhana and rodeo events.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? To date, EVERYTHING! It's fun and it's fast, exactly how I love to live my life! You are always learning something new and different and for the most part it's a memorable experience! There are some awesome 'Cowgirls' in this group and I wouldn't want to miss the sharing the 'experience' with them! 'Don't Even', right girls!!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Barb Brown
Barb Brown is a 2008-2009 Director of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Horses Name, Age, Breed: My first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls I rode Glider. He's was a 13 year old Appaloosa and proved to be an awesome drill horse! (Thank you Brenda Philips) Last year due to circumstances beyond any of our control, I was unable to secure a satisfactory mount in time for the performance season. Instead I focused my attention and energies on other pertinent area's impacting the drill team that would assist in making the Cariboo Cowgirls 2008 Performance Season a success!

This season I have been riding Misty. She is a old sorrel quarter horse mare that has drill experience. I presently have one of my horses, Pecan an 8 year old bay mare in training and am hopeful that she and I will make our 'Drill Debut' together sometime during the 2009 Performance Season! So if you see a 'change in color' ...

How many years riding? Since early in my teens, when I was a real 'youngun'... And that's all I'm going to tell you!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my third year with the Cariboo Cowgirls and I am really looking forward to it. It's our first year as a registered Society and we haven't stopped 'breaking new ground'. Already we're off to a great beginning!

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to gymkhana and trail ride when the opportunity presents itself. I'm pretty much game for anything, especially if it's light hearted and I can laugh.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? For me it's TOTAL SERENITY! It's a space that just my horse and I share. Riding with the drill team is 'time out' from work and the routine of everyday life. A good day is one I spend in the saddle!

So Gals, lets Ride Hard and Ride Fast! Here's to another great season!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Brandy Young

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Miss Ruby Hanckock AKA 'Ruby' is my pride and joy! Ruby is a 4 year old red roan quarter horse mare.

How many years riding? I hate to admit this especially to the public, but it's 5o years, all my life. Oh My God, I can't believe I've told you that!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my second season riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team. I have been with the Club/Society for a total of 4 years now.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? Breeding quarter horses, giving clinics and private lessons and teaching all types of equine related subjects.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? Friendships, horses, the beautiful costumes, travelling and watching your husband smile at the performance! I'm a performer at heart and have enjoyed showing many different breeds of horses. To see any rider go from the initial introduction of riding to riding with a group of determined and skilled horsemen gives me great joy, but to see all of them work as a unified 'team' striving to make their performance exciting is AWESOME!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Janice Sapp AKA 'Grindal' (My 'Partner In Crime' is Ashley Wilson AKA 'Hazel')
Janice Sapp is the 2008-2009 President of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Horses Name, Age, Breed: CR Zans Whim aka 'Mary' . Mary's an eight year old sorrel quarter horse mare and she has the beauty, temperament, and attitude of a true redhead!

How many years riding? Forever, I honestly can't remember when I didn't ride!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my third year with these gals. Prior to riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls I rode with another drill team.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I'm pretty open to anything that's 'horse and cow' oriented. I work for BC Livestock, so both my personal and professional life is somewhat 'cowboy acquainted'. I try and participate in any recreational equine activities. Of course 'Hazel' and I are known for our cowboy skills and horsemanship, we've spent many hours developing them, once we figured out just exactly where we were (what's a day between friends!). The 'chasing of parked cars' just came naturally to both of us! This year we have designs to chase us a BIG diesel truck down.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? The camaraderie and all the crazy antics. I've ridden a few years with some of these gals and I'm sure they can attest to the similarities that Mary-Horse and I share! Though I do wonder about the similarities when the other members refer to Mary as the 'Wild-Child'. Of course, there are those unpredictable moments riding Mary that you never know just exactly what her 'mood' is and that can change from one end of the arena to the other. Hey what can I say, "It adds spice and life to the drill, after all we're both redhead's"!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Kelly Lee Marce

Horses Name, Age, Breed: For the time being I've been riding Big Red. Red is a 16 year old, bay standardbred gelding. I am hopeful that my 6 year old bay quarter horse/arab will be ready for his debut this year. His name is Spirit (my boy was only 6 when my mare foaled and he chose the name). I call him Junior or JB. I have taken him in for some professional training and I hope to run him in the Cariboo Cowgirl performances this season.

How many years riding? Since childhood, I owned my first horse, a paint welsh X at age 12 and was hooked ever after. I have owned many different breeds.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I think I'm well rounded in the equine activities area. A few years back I was an owner/operator of a riding stable business. For the most part I took tourists and visitors out on trail rides. I had wrangled on and off for other outfits and thought that I would like to try the business experience on my own. I enjoyed it, but soon recognized that it was less 'time and financially' demanding to wrangle for someone else! During that same time period I trained to do Search and Rescue on horse back. A great learning experience for both the horse and myself. This last August I did a mountain pack trip with some friends and I really liked that. For the most part now I pleasure and trail ride with family or friends. I assist some of my neighbors, who are ranchers, move and bring in their cattle. When I can I try to take in equine clinics held in our locale.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? Since I was a girl I have been madly in love with horses. From the minute I showed up for the drill team I have taken pleasure in and benefited from the riding experience. More so, I consider myself as a team member. There is nothing more challenging and fulfilling than being a productive member of a team. It's character building for the rider and the horse and the thought of both of us being able to work together in this capacity is intoxicating to me. I view rodeo as a "family" activity. I am now a participant and about to enjoy some serious thrills.
Yahoo!!! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Leona Davies
Leona Davies is the 2008-2009 Treasurer of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Leona is presently off on medical leave from the riding portion of the drill team, but is still an active member in all the other disciplines that the Cariboo Cowgirls Society partake in. Leona primary task is keeping all the girls fiscally responsible, which is not an easy feat! The Cariboo Cowgirls are eagerly awaiting her return as a riding member of the drill team!

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Last year I rode my 10 year old, APHA Paint Gelding. Gotta New's Flash AKA 'Pete'. Like me, Pete sustained an injury prior to running drill and it showed up late last summer. Both of us were turned out in the fall at the completion of the Cariboo Cowgirl performance schedule to heal and rest! As soon as I am physically able, I will start my four year old register quarter horse palomino, Nugget through the paces and manoeuvres of the drill.

How many years riding? For several years, 25+ or more ...

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my second year with the Cariboo Cowgirls. My first year was in the saddle and this year is on the ground, directing the financial business of the new Society and assisting wherever and whatever I can.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I have roped, reined and participated in some other timed events. Another of my passions, though of recent times I have not been able to dedicate much time to it, is driving horses.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I like the challenges and experiences of participating in a 'team sport'.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lexi Colton

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Flash or Angel Horse, as she was called by her former family, is a 25 year old grey arabian mare. I have had Angel since May 2009 and she has given me the confidence to ride with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Although, because of her age, we don't ride the drill, we do ride in the grand entry portion of the team. I have also started riding Gator, our 4 yr old QH gelding. His registered name is Tiny Chunk a Cash. Hopefully he will be ready to ride the drill next year.

How many years riding? I started riding 6 years ago by taking lessons. A year later our family bought our first horse and now we have 5. Three full size ones and 2 miniatures.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year with the team. I am currently the youngest member and I am looking forward to riding in the future years.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to ride in gymkhanas, trail ride, and do some small horse shows locally. I am also very active in 4-H. I have a miniature horse that I will be showing and next year I will be training him to drive with a cart. If I can be with horses, I'm happy.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I enjoy travelling to the rodeos with the ladies and either riding in the Grand entry of being their photographer. I also realized that I like speed! Being able to try things with my horses is fun. The team members are great.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lindie Mitchell

Horses Name, Age, Breed: The horse I am riding is a big 4 yr old quarter horse roan mare by the name of Ruby. She is loaned to me by my horse trainer's Brandy and John Young. By chance John is the Cariboo Cowgirls coach! Thanks to John for his exceptional coaching skills.

How many years riding? I have been riding for most of my life, thanks to my Mom for always keeping me motivated!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? I am the latest addition to the Cariboo Cowgirls! So this year marks my first year.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? What little time I have outside the Cariboo Cowgirls I ride my Quarter horse-Morgan gelding, Sky. I have owned Sky from birth so I regard him as my first and only child (lol). I have been riding for most of my life, thanks to my mom always keeping motivated.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I have been riding with the Cariboo Cowgirls for the past 3 months. It has been a n adrenaline rush! I haven't felt anything like it since I rode the roller coaster in the West Edmonton Mall. It is so much work yet so much fun! Mostly I enjoy the team effort everyone has to put forth in order to deliver a professional, entertaining performance for not only the spectators but for ourselves! See ya'll at the rodeo!

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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Lisa Manuel
Lisa is presently off on maternity leave and the Cariboo Cowgirls are eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of the baby and Lisa's return to her riding position.

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Misty is an 18 year old sorrel quarter horse mare.

How many years riding? I have been riding since before I could walk

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my second year with The Cariboo Cowgirls.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? Outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls, I like to gymkhana and barrel race. I pretty much like just about anything that involves my horses.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? What I like best about the drill team is that everyday is new and you are always learning something.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: D. Lynn Dent-Wilson
Lynn Dent-Wilson is the 2008-2009 Vice-President of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Rat's In The Attic AKA 'Ozzie-Alex' my 8 yr old Registered Quarter Horse gelding has been my riding companion and confidence for the past two years, but this year he has taken a 'sabbatical' from the drill team to be schooled in another disciple by my mentors and best friends, Sanford and Jenny Mead. The Mead's have provided me with one of their horses for this years drill season. Buenos Sunny Jac AKA 'Honey' is an 8 yr old registered quarter horse mare. Honey and I are both blondes, so 2009 could prove to be a very interesting and 'challenging' year!

How many years riding? Since childhood, but I had a long, extended break while I chased my career. I have been back riding seriously again for about 9-10 years now.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my third season with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Each year always seems like my first, so I am on the 'Continuous Improvement Program'!

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? Is there any such thing as spare time for other equine activities? I understand that in judged events marking allocation is 50% on the horse and 50% on the rider. I'm still looking for the judged event that would best fit Ozzie Alex and me, 95% on him and 5% on how well I'm holding on! I will try most other western equine activities when the opportunity arises. I'm not necessarily very good at any of them, but I like to try! This year my other equine activity is going to focus on keeping my butt in then saddle!

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? My riding skills have grown and improved considerably since I started practicing and performing with the Cariboo Cowgirls. I can now sit down and breathe at the same time, quite a feat for this blonde! Additionally, riding different horses in the drill has been very beneficial to furthering my growth and development as a rider. I have met some truly wonderful people and the exposure to new and different environments has been a tremendous learning experience for not only me, but for the horses I ride.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Pat Coster AKA "Granny #1"

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Dally is a 12 year old Quarter Horse gelding 'with a wee bit of attitude'.

How many years riding? Since I was a child, a long, L-O-N-G time ago! I'm celebrating my second childhood with my new 'entity', Granny and 'she' says years don't count!!!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This my third year with the Cariboo Cowgirl. I have ridden with drill teams for over a decade now.
***Pat has been a Team Captain and a Coach with other drill teams and has several years in both experience and performance riding.***

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I do ranch riding, cattle sorting and penning. I'm pretty open to trying most things that are equine oriented.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? Learning new routines and perfecting them. The girls call me 'Hot Granny Pat' and I love them all! I'm in it for the 'Long Ride and the Good Times''

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Shelley Colton

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Desert Rosa, AKA Sahara, 9 year old Grey Arab mare

How many years riding? 25 years plus and I'm not saying another thing!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year with the Cariboo Cowgirls

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I enjoy riding in gymkhanas, cattle sorting and endless trail riding. I have also tried endurance riding. My family has 2 miniature horses which will be trained for driving and showing at AMHA events. I have been involved with the 4-H program as a project leader for horse and dog for 5 years.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I am looking forward to a fun filled year of learning and performing with the Cariboo Cowgirls. I hope that working with a team will improve my horsemanship and allow me to spend many hours in the saddle in the company of other equine enthusiasts.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tammy Ward
Tammy Ward is the 2008-2009 Secretary of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Kita is a 13 year old grey appaloosa gelding. As a horse and rider, Kita and I have been ONE since Kita was a two year old. Kita and I have grown and learned together. I love and trust Kita with all my heart (even with his hairless tail!).

How many years riding? I have been riding since I was a young'in! I started doing gymkhanas and showing my little paint pony named Skipper with the Westside Trail Riders in Kamloops. That was !*% years ago. You really didn't think I'd tell you how many years did you....?

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my second year with the Cariboo Cowgirls. Prior to joining up with the Cowgirls, I had 5 years experience with another drill team.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls? In my spare time I like to trail ride, gymkhana and do poker rides, they are awesome pastimes outside of the drill team. I like to spend time working with my 5 year old quarter horse gelding, Skipper. I am very hopeful to expose him to some drill this year, maybe a sponsor flag and a run through the big arena to give him a taste what's in store for him in the years to come.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? It is so much fun, I really like the challenge of learning new routines and riding through it with such a diverse group of ladies. It does not get any better than being in a rodeo atmosphere, doing your part to make the event a thrilling, eventful experience for the audience. I am also very excited about all the new riders this year, its going to be awesome.

GO COWGIRLS GO!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tasha Reynolds

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Rosie is 20 year old red dunn quarter horse mare and Taz is 13 year old Sorrel Arab gelding

How many years riding? 10 years riding experience and 4 years Drill experience...

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my first year with The Cariboo Cowgirls..

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirl? I like to ride in gymkhanas with my 4 year old daughter and lead my 2 year old son around on ponies.

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? I like the speed and adrenaline. I like riding with a team & travelling to rodeos.

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Non Riding Member
Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Tina Manuel
Tina Manuel is a 2008-2009 Director of the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Not determined as yet.

How many years riding? Off and on since I was a child. In the past few decades, it has been more 'off', than 'on', I'm afraid. I have been off raising my family, so there was not a lot of extra time to spend on riding. The kid's are pretty much grown now so I thought it is time I got back to in the saddle myself.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my third year with the Cowgirls. My first two years were spent with my two feet on the ground! I was part of the ground crew, lending assistance where I could. My youngest daughter, Skyla, rode with the Cowgirls, so that was how I got my 'Introduction'. I am hoping to be able to run some of the Sponsorship / Event flags this year and work my way up to a drill rider in the years to come.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls? Trails riding, gymkhanas and the likes. I am community minded so I contribute a fair bit of my personal time to the organizational component of our local riding club, the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo, co-ordinating youth gymkhana's and other equestrian events.

Over the last few years I experienced my first cattle round up in the company of some of the cowgirls. It was an awesome experience. Thanks Ashley and Janice (aka 'Hazel' and 'Grindal')!! I'm a bit disappointed though, as they didn't teach me how to chase parked cars. I am somewhat curious about that technique ... maybe they will share the 'SECRET' and show me this year!!

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? Everyone on the team and everything I am learning. I am going to start planning my 'second childhood' and ride as hard and fast in this 'second' life!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Name: Wendy Pinchin

Horses Name, Age, Breed: Joshuas Rebel AKA 'Burt'. Burt is a 14 year old registered quarter horse, he's just a cool dude. Aside from my husband, he's the love of my life.

How many years riding? About 20 years off and on, but since I moved to the Cariboo in 2006 mostly on.

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my 1st year, but I think I'll be a lifer.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls? I gymkhana, do the Pony Express, trail ride and just about anything horse related

What do you like best about riding in a drill team? There's not much I don't like about being with the team, the people are great and it's challenging to say the least. In a few short months I have made some really great friends you guys can't get rid of me now....HA!

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The next five are part of the Team too - they hold the Cariboo Cowgirls together and help them to look great!

Cariboo Cowgirl's Coach Name: Brenda Philips

How many years riding and or coaching? I have been riding pretty much all my life. When I was 10, I became a Williams Lake Trail Riders member and started doing gymkhana's then progressed to rodeo. When I was 16, I showed in both the English and Western disciplines and after a few years returned to rodeo. For the last several years I have been involved in horse activities of some sort to try and encourage young or old riders to be involved in the "World of Horses" My motto is, 'Next to your dog, your horse is your best friend'!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? This is my third year with the girls. I got involved when one of the gals required a drill horse to participate. I was able to lend her my quarter horse Appaloosa, 'Glider' for the season. Apparently it was the right thing to do because I am still involved!

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls? Well, I have 7 horses, so my primary equine activity is 'Equine Feeding and Shovelling…..#101' or more eloquently put, 'Equine Management and Supervision' (that's the 'politically correct' description!!). I enjoy poker rides, trail rides, gymkhanas and the likes. Heck, I just like to participate!

What do you like best about working with the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team? I really do like the ground work and the coaching. It's a real sense of accomplishment to see it ALL come together. The horse and riders are so individualistic and diverse from one another and yet they all strive to accomplish the same goal together. When you see them work towards that goal you tell yourself "This is what it's all about". It's a pleasure to work with such a group of talented riders and their mounts.

The Cariboo Cowgirls are pleased to have Brenda Philips return to them for a second year. Brenda's good nature, helpful approach and consistent coaching instruction has a positive influence on the Cariboo Cowgirls. Brenda brings out the 'TEAM' in the Cariboo Cowgirls!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Coach Name: John Young

How many years riding and or coaching? I have been making a living with horses in one form or another since I was in my early teens. Back then my goal was to work on the six largest ranches in the world and learn something from each place. I think I achieved that goal. Because of my undaunted personal commitment and goals from such a early age to work in the horse industry I have traveled to most continents in the world in order to further develop my knowledge, skill and most of all, exposure to every horse related venue that I could involve myself with. The coaching end of it just 'happened along somewhere in my adventures' and meshed in with all my activities and experiences.

I have been very fortunate to understudy and work with very good teachers, trainers and role models through out my career. Of course, the life style I chose made settling in any location for any amount of time, impossible. My wife and I have moved to so many locations throughout North America, that I have lost count!

How many years with the Cariboo Cowgirls? In or around 2003, I was approached to provide technical and safety input to the Six Pack Drill Team. It continued from there, both in my involvement and input and that of the drill team dynamics. Within a few years, there was a merger of existing drill teams in the area and the Cariboo Cowgirls were 'born' from that union. There has been significant growth, direction and change since the birth of the Cariboo Cowgirls.

What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls? In the last decade, my wife and I started to focus on cow horse breeding. It has always been an interesting facet to me. We decided to settle in an area that would allow us to continue with a reputable breeding program and enjoy a less hectic, transient lifestyle. We now focus our energy on our registered Quarter horse breeding program for production cow horses. In addition to foals we raise and sell, I have a yearling and two-year training program. The Cowgirls take up 99% of my extra circular time so there isn't much time left at the end of the day!

What do you like best about working with the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team? The 'Completion and Accomplishment' has always been the best part for me. The fact that you can take raw talent of any form and develop and work with it until it becomes a 'creation'. I relate it to that of making a movie. You make or take ideas and match it with horses and riders instead of actors. Your goal is to make it entertaining for both the horse and riders to do and the public to view. I take great pride in the girls with their goals and accomplishments. As individuals they not only work hard to make it a good solid performance, but a 'Team Effort' where everyone is included. To me that's what coaching is suppose to signify.

The Cariboo Cowgirls are very fortunate to have the continued and devoted coaching skills of John Young. John provides the team with his well-rounded knowledge in multiple disciplines of riding style, equine training and management. John's learned horse and rider skills accompanied with his sound equine knowledge lend them selves to escalating and honing the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society style and skill. The Cariboo Cowgirls refer to John as the 'Lion Tamer', as there isn't to many men that are willing to step into an arena filled with aggressive, energetic women and there mounts!

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Seamstress Name: Shirley Price

'Cariboo Cowgirls Designer' Shirley Price is the costume seamstress! It's Shirley that puts the 'Razzle, Dazzle, and Glitter' into what the Cariboo Cowgirls wear. The first photo here is of Shirley and the next three are some of the examples of Shirley's wonderful work.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's "All Around Guy" Name: John Pinchin

John Pinchin, is the Cowgirls "All Around Guy". Since the beginning of this years season John has been the Cariboo Cowgirls Mascot! He has a happy, uplifting and positive attitude and he supports all the girls in what ever requires doing, be it hauling, shovelling, selling 50/50, or just 'managing the tasks at hand'! John's dedication and helpfulness makes the Cariboo Cowgirls lives in general a whole lot easier.

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Cariboo Cowgirl's "Salt of the Earth" Name: Mary Cowley

Mary Cowley, is the "Salt of the Earth". Mary has an uncanny ability to make it seem "Okay". She calls everyone "Sunshine" and doesn't realize that the Cowgirls shine so bright because of her aura that radiates off them. As well as supplying "Sunshine", Mary does just about everything else, too: She mucks stalls, brushes horses, runs and fetches, sells 50/50 tickets, babysits, and above all else, no matter how bad it is, she always finds the positive and loves each team member no matter what.

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The Photograhers! Names: Sue Thomson, Linda Kenick, Krista Kay, Cassandra Carr, Tommy Engebretson, Craig Smith, Peter Castonguay, Don Datoff, Jesse Madden, and Margaret Vanderburgh

A BIG thank you to the Photographers! Sue Thomson, Linda Kenick, Krista Kay, Cassandra Carr, Tommy Engebretson, Craig Smith, Jesse Madden, and Peter Castonguay are professional photographers - so look them up when you're looking for that "special photo"! Don Datoff, and Margaret Vanderburgh are friends of the Team and came out to take photo's to help the team. Can you imagine this web site or the Cariboo Cowgirls Team brochure without the great photos that enhance them?

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Cariboo Cowgirl's Video Crew Name: The Ward Family

The Ward Family has dedicated hours video taping practices and runs so that the Cowgirls can use the video's as a learning and training tool to continue to hone their craft. Some of these are also available for the public to see on YouTube.
Eagleview Williams Lake (2008).
Williams Lake Stampede (2008).
Princeton Rodeo (2008).


Cariboo Cowgirls Clothing!
Hoodies and Hats!

The Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Clothing Details Here

 

Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society
Box 4527
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 2V5

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